Step back in time and experience Fool School at Stirling Castle this Easter

19 March 2013

It may be the school holidays but Stirling Castle is gearing up for an education of a very different kind this Easter.

Over the Easter weekend (Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March) the castle is hosting its very own ‘Fool School’. Following in the footsteps of the age old tradition of the court jester, visitors will meet the Queen's Fool and learn all about this very important role in the royal court. Visitors can even try their hand at entertaining the assembled court!

‘Fool School’ is part of a special event taking place at the castle, voted the UK’s best loved heritage attraction, over the Easter weekend.

Other activities include the chance to find out more about age old court pastimes such as crossbow firing and hunting. There will also be the chance to join the Royal revelry and show off your crossbow skills to see if you have what it takes to be the Queen's champion.

From 12:00 until 16:00 on the 30th and 31st there will also be a number of themed events including art activities, a special children's tour of Easter’s past and an exciting Easter Treasure Trail.

Visitors can also visit the regimental museum where they can take a guided tour, whilst young visitors can complete the museum’s children’s activity sheets.

Liz Grant, Commercial Business Manager for Stirling Castle, said;

“This will be a fun-packed Easter at Stirling Castle that all the family can enjoy.

“We have a number of activities that visitors can get involved in including our very own take on the Easter Trail, ‘Fool School’ and a host of other events to keep the kids entertained this Easter.”

All of the activities will run at scheduled intervals throughout the 30th and 31st March and are included as part of the entrance to the castle. For further information please visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk.

Easter at StirlingFor a great day out join us over Easter Weekend for special children’s tours, art activities and fun. Complete our special Easter Trail for your chance to win a prize.

Crossbow ChampionsLearn about the Royal Court’s favourite pastime of hunting and try your hand at firing a cross bow. Join in the Royal revelry and see if you have got what it takes to be the Queen’s champion.12:00 noon – 15:30

Fool’s SchoolMeet the Queen’s Fool and learn how to make a royal laugh. Jest with the best and join in an afternoon of foolish behaviour, mirth and merriment. 12.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15:30

Notes for editors:

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

4.2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond. Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty at www.visitscotland.com/natural